| Household income | Single, no debts or dependants | Couple (two equal incomes), two children |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $163,000 to $196,000 | Not enough surplus |
| $60,000 | $224,000 to $269,000 | $35,000 to $42,000 |
| $70,000 | $285,000 to $342,000 | $111,000 to $133,000 |
| $80,000 | $347,000 to $417,000 | $184,000 to $221,000 |
| $90,000 | $409,000 to $491,000 | $255,000 to $306,000 |
| $100,000 | $471,000 to $565,000 | $316,000 to $379,000 |
| $110,000 | $533,000 to $640,000 | $377,000 to $452,000 |
| $120,000 | $595,000 to $714,000 | $437,000 to $525,000 |
| $130,000 | $657,000 to $789,000 | $498,000 to $597,000 |
| $140,000 | $716,000 to $859,000 | $559,000 to $671,000 |
| $150,000 | $749,000 to $898,000 | $598,000 to $718,000 |
| $160,000 | $804,000 to $965,000 | $660,000 to $792,000 |
| $180,000 | $915,000 to $1,098,000 | $784,000 to $941,000 |
| $200,000 | $996,000 to $1,196,000 | $885,000 to $1,062,000 |
| $250,000 | $1,215,000 to $1,458,000 | $1,172,000 to $1,407,000 |
| $300,000 | $1,434,000 to $1,720,000 | $1,440,000 to $1,728,000 |
Why your number will be different
- Debts and card limits. Each $10,000 of credit card limit typically removes tens of thousands of dollars of borrowing, even if it's paid off every month.
- Dependants. Each child adds to the living costs lenders assume, which lowers what you could borrow.
- How you're paid. Overtime, bonuses, commission, casual and self employed income are each counted differently, and lenders differ a lot here.
- Your actual spending. If what you spend is above the benchmark, lenders use your figure.
- The rate. Lenders test your repayments at their rate plus 3 percentage points, so every rate rise trims borrowing power.
Common questions
How do banks work out how much I can borrow?
They take your income after tax, subtract living costs (the higher of your figure and a benchmark), subtract your existing commitments, and check the surplus can cover the new loan at their rate plus a 3 percentage point buffer.
Sources
- RBA statistical table F1: cash rate target, 23/10/2026 reading (refreshed daily), checked 26 October 2026
- APRA, May 2026: macroprudential settings held, serviceability buffer of 3 percentage points, checked 21 October 2026
- ATO: tax rates for Australian residents 2026–27, checked 17 September 2026
- ATO: study and training loan repayment thresholds 2026–27, checked 17 September 2026
General information only, not credit advice. It doesn’t take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Rules and figures change; check them, or talk to Joshua, before you rely on them.